Coppelius vs Spalanzani

The Sandman

Traces the partnership and conflict between the two creators of the automaton.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Collaboration on the automatonCollaboration on the automaton
The Unholy Alliance The Division of Labor Spalanzani created the clockwork and body. Coppola made the eyes. Together they built Olympia. The Shared Goal Both wanted to create a perfect illusion. They succeeded, but their partnership was based on mutual distrust. The Tension The conflict was inherent: each wanted credit for the automaton's success.
The fight over OlympiaThe fight over Olympia
The Explosive Confrontation The Accusations Spalanzani claimed the clockwork was his. Coppola claimed the eyes. They fought physically. The Destruction In the struggle, the automaton was torn apart. The partnership ended in violence. The Aftermath Spalanzani was wounded and disgraced. Coppola fled with the body. Their conflict ruined both.
Before the story's events
The day of Nathaniel's proposal